The performance of 9th-grade students in São Paulo's state schools has demonstrated notable improvements in Portuguese and achieved the highest average in mathematics since records began. According to the latest edition of the Saresp (State System for Assessment of School Performance), students scored an average of 243 points in proficiency, indicating that 14 to 15-year-olds possess only the basic knowledge expected at this educational level. This score reflects a worrying trend, as it remains below the benchmark established before the administration of Tarcísio de Freitas, which took office in 2022.

Although the average score in Portuguese represents an increase from previous years—240.3 in 2025 and 234.4 in 2024—it still falls short of what is deemed adequate for students at this stage of their education. This improvement, while promising, underscores the challenges that remain in adequately preparing students for higher academic expectations. The educational authorities are likely to face scrutiny over the gap in educational attainment, particularly as they strive to enhance the quality of education in the state.

The findings from the Saresp tests not only highlight the progress made but also signal the continuing need for educational reform and resources aimed at addressing deficiencies in student learning outcomes. With half of the country’s population in São Paulo, the implications of these results extend beyond the classroom, impacting future workforce development and social equity in education, which are critical areas for the state’s growth and prosperity.